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Feeling flummoxed by all this fuss about the need to retune your Freeview box or risk losing Channel Five forever? Here’s our handy guide:

When will I need to retune my equipment?

Are you ready for the big Freeview retune?

Any time onwards from lunchtime on Wednesday 30 September.

How do I get rid of the on-screen reminders?

Press the yellow button on your remote control and they should disappear within one minute. They will reappear when you move to a different broadcaster, for example, if you move from a BBC channel to an ITV channel. They will also pop up again when you switch off your Freeview TV or box, or leave it on standby.

Remind me why I have to do this?

It’s so that 500,000 more homes will be able to access Channel Five, plus there will be at least one new channel on offer post-retune and preparations are being made for Freeview users to receive HD programmes.

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Does everyone have to retune?

Analogue (viewers with just four or five channels), satellite and cable viewers will not be affected. So, anyone with services such as Sky, Freesat and Virgin media do not have to re-tune.

Will any boxes stop working?

Yes. The Daewoo DS608P, Labgear DTT100, Portland DP100, Daewoo SV900 and Bush IDVCR01 will stop working all together. Check http://www.tvretune.co.uk for more information.

What if I can’t work out how to do it?

It’s easy, honest. The vast majority of Freeview users will find retuning a simple step-by-step process. Go to www.tvretune.co.uk for details on how to retune different makes and models of Freeview box. If you need more help then call the automated helpline on 08456 05 11 22, and as a last resort ask a friend or contact the manufacturer.

What changes can I expect after I retune?

Many more households will be able to receive Five. A new Discovery-owned channel, Quest, will launch on Freeview channel 38. Some households who receive their signal from a local relay transmitter will no longer be able to receive ITV3 or ITV4 on Freeview. The Community Channel may also disappear.

Will HD programming be available on Freeview soon?

Stay tuned for more HD developments. You will need to buy a separate box to receive high definition channels when they do become available in your region.

Will I lose my favourites lists and scheduled recordings?

After re-tuning you may have to reprogramme these features. Check your box.

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Will I need to re-tune again?

It’s good practice to retune your box from time to time to receive all the newest channels. There will be future retunes required during the digital switchover.